Relevant yet uncontrollable: perceived control as a mediator of cross-cultural differences in old-age preparation

Previous studies have shown that there are cross-cultural differences in old-age preparation rate (e.g. Kornadt et al., 2019). Drawing from the transactional stress-and-coping model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), we proposed that perceived control, self-relevance and responsibility for old-age preparation could mediate the cultural differences in old-age preparation. We recruited a sample aged 18 to 96 from Germany (N=366, Mage=52.63) and Hong Kong (N=252, Mage=57.47) to complete two online questionnaires across two years. Compared with German adults, Hong Kong adults prepared less (b=-2.159, p<.001), had lower perceived control (b=-0.899, p<.001) and responsibility (b=-0.713, p<.001), yet similar level of self-relevance over preparation. Preparation at time2 was related to self-relevance (b=1.004, p<.001) and control (b=0.785, p<.001) at time1. The cultural differences in preparation at time2 were only mediated by perceived control at time1 (indirect effect=0.706, p<.001). Findings highlight the importance to enhance individual perceived control over old age in promoting society-wide old-age preparation.